Name: the ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Brand: the ordinary

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the ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% — Ingredient Analysis & Score | Gracie

✶ Hero ingredients

#2Niacinamide

Vitamin B3 that brightens and strengthens skin barrier

#3Pentylene Glycol

Humectant with antimicrobial properties

#4Zinc Pca

Sebum-regulating zinc compound

Score breakdown

Overall

6.6

Hydration Efficacy3.4

Irritation Risk9.5

Active Ingredient Strength4.7

Ingredient Transparency7.5

Formulation Safety9.0

Estimated — based on ingredient analysis. Scores refine as user reviews are added.

Scores last verified: April 2026

What makes the ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% stand out

the ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is a solid serum with an overall score of 6.6/9.8. Positioned in the budget bracket, it delivers a well-rounded formulation that balances efficacy with gentleness. The formula leads with Niacinamide, Pentylene Glycol, Zinc Pca — ingredients that actively target skin concerns.

It performs well on low irritation risk (9.5). On the flip side, hydration could be stronger.

Is this right for you?

Great for

✓Sensitive skin — low irritation risk with a gentle formulation
✓Safety-conscious shoppers — clean formulation with minimal flags
✓Ingredient-aware buyers — transparent, well-documented formula

May not suit

⚠Very dry skin types looking for heavy-duty moisture

Key ingredients

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Niacinamide
Works on your skin — #2 in the INCI list
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Pentylene Glycol
Draws in moisture — #3 in the INCI list
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What creators are saying

TikTok

Based on these TikTok captions, reviewers have mixed opinions about The Ordinary's Niacinamide serum. While one reviewer calls it their most repurchased and recommended product ever, especially for blemish-prone skin, another notes that the 10% concentration can be irritating for many people and recommends it primarily for oil control rather than dark spots. The captions suggest it's particularly popular among teens and those dealing with acne, though some reviewers caution that lower concentrations might be better since niacinamide is already common in many skincare products.

Based on 5 creator reviews

Full ingredient list

11 ingredients — listed in INCI order (highest concentration first)

#1Aqua (Water)#2Niacinamide #3Pentylene Glycol #4Zinc Pca #5Dimethyl Isosorbide #6Tamarindus Indica Seed Gum #7Xanthan Gum #8Isoceteth-20 #9

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Ingredient breakdown

Draws in moisture3